Holiday program brightens season for Concord seniors

Share the holiday spirit and take part in the Be a Santa to a Senior (BASTAS) service program. It's a way to brighten the lives of isolated seniors who are lonely and financially in need. The local Home Instead Senior Care® office, the Concord Commission on Aging and the Concord Senior Center are partnering with non-profit organizations and businesses in the community in providing gifts for the 2016 BASTAS program.

“Last year, we provided gifts for 300 seniors, with local Boy Scout Troops delivering and visiting with seniors in the community,” said Melvin Lee, Commission on Aging chair.

“We encourage the community to visit our local businesses and help support the program,” said Lee. To participate, pick up an ornament gift tag, purchase a gift, and return the unwrapped gift along with the ornament gift tag. Look for the trees with ornament gift tags at Min's Kitchen - 3505 Clayton Rd., Minamoto - 4305 Clayton Rd., City of Concord Civic Center - 1950 Parkside Dr. in Wing A, Concord Police Department - 1350 Galindo St., and Curves for Women - 2962 Treat Blvd. , Suite C. The program runs from Nov. 13 to Dec. 11. Tags will be available at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1955 Mt. Diablo St., from Nov. 25 to Dec.11.

The Commission on Aging is seeking donations of brightly colored wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift boxes, ribbon, and refreshments for the gift-wrapping party. For information on the program, contact Avis Connolly at (925) 671-3419 or email avis.connolly@cityofconcord.org, or Tess Locsin at (925) 280-9688.